Cheong Wa Dae, or Blue House, is the official residence of the President of the Republic of Korea. It was built with traditional Korean architectural styles. The name comes from the translation of Cheong Wa Dae which means “pavilion of blue tiles.”
In 1104, King Sukjong built a royal villa at this location. When Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395, the villa was used as a rear palace garden.
The area of Cheong Wa Dae was used by Governor-General of Korea as his residence and office during the Japanese occupation of Korea in the first part of the twentieth century. This building was known as Gyeongmudae.
After the occupation, the Republic of Korea was founded. Gyeongmudae was used as the residence and office of the president, who at the time was Syngman Rhee.
On December 30, 1960, President Yun Bo-seon renamed the residence as Cheong Wa Dae, after its beautiful blue tiles. These tiles are now a cultural icon of Korea.
Tour of Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House)
Reservations are required to take tours.
Learn more about taking a tour Cheong Wa Dae.
Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House) Information
Hours
Tours are available at 10:00, 11:00, 14:00, and 15:00 from September 17 to June 30.
Tours are available at 10:00, 11:00, 15:00, and 16:00 from July 1 to September 16.
There are no tours on Sundays, Mondays, and holidays.
Admission
Tours are free
How to Get Here
Take Subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 5).
Map
Nearby Sights
National Folk Museum of Korea
The National Folk Museum of Korea is a museum on the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, not to be confused with the nearby National Palace Museum of Korea which is also found on the palace grounds.
Samcheong-dong
Samcheongdong is a trendy and upscale neighborhood of Seoul that lies in a scenic area just east of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House). This youthful neighborhood is named after the clean and beautiful water, mountains, and residents in the area.
Tongin Market
Tongin Market is a traditional market located west of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Seochon Village. The compact market features about 80 different shops along a 200 meter covered alleyway. In addition to restaurants and banchan shops, the market also features Korean street food stalls along with vendors selling a range of fresh produce such as vegetables, fruits, fish, and meat.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village is a historic village dating back almost 600 years to the Joseon Dynasty which features hanok or Korean traditional houses. Bukchon means "northern village." The quaint residential village lies in a hilly neighborhood north of Cheonggyecheon Stream and between two royal palaces, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace, located north of Gwanghwamun Square, is one of the most iconic sights in all of Korea thanks to its long and storied history. Construction on Gyeongbokgung Palace was completed in 1395 at the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty during the reign of King Taejo. Gyeongbokgung, which means "palace greatly blessed by Heaven," was built in the heart of Seoul surrounded by Mount Bugaksan and Mount Namsan.
Additional Resources
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Last Updated on Oct 21, 2023